My Life Swimsuit 2

This is Adoring Doll's Swimsuit pattern found here.

I orginally bought the set with the Boy, Girl and the Wellie Wisher pattern I don't see offered currently. For my own notes I have all three stored together as they were printed together. I haven't used the other two in a bit and was a bit paniced when I couldn't find the 18 inch girl pattern as it was hiding behind the boy pattern.

Notes:

I used worsted weight 4 yarn for this pattern. I'd tried Herrschners previously and I ended up needing a much larger hook.

I used an I hook to start with and switched to a G hook after the color changes. I'd start with an H hook and finish with a G in the future as it makes it a big large on the top.

My Life Nightgown 2

This is Adoring Doll's Christmas Nightgown pattern that can be purchased here.

As you may have noticed I chose more nuetral blues as I felt it would be more useful to have a year round outfit rather than holiday specific for this item.

Notes:

I used an I hook for the dress and an H for the hat.

I tried working the surface crochet with an alternative of working in the back loops. I'm not a huge fan of either. In the future I think I'd just do a row of alternate color sc in the rows and not have the texture. I have no issue with the flat texture found in the rest of the nightgown.

The surface crochet made adding a button hole in the back more challenging so I closed with a snap.

This is one of the last three items I need for the 2025 donation. They are all complete and I'm preposting them on Veteran's Day. It feels amazing to be done. I'm making some items and then it will be time to start the 2026 donation!!!

Our Generation Swimsuit

I've been working through my swimsuit patterns this year. This is the swimsuit from Mary Maxim's Mermaid kit I made several years ago. I have a better mermaid pattern but I do like the swimsuit pattern. I did check the site to see if it had ever been added to their pattern offerings as the kit is only offered as a knit kit currently. Sadly still not available.

Notes:

I don't have the kit yarn so I chose Premier Basix DK yarn that I had previously stocked up on as a size 3 option. I haven't used this yarn often but I found it soft and it was a good match for this project. I used some Herrschners green for the border.

I made a note that with this yarn 4sc rows made for 1 inch and I'd need 16 rows to meet length requirements. I doubted myself as I was slightly under the mark and added a row. In the future I would follow my directions as written as the crotch section is a little longer than needed from not following the directions.

CC is the main color not the contrasting which is what my brain oddly keeps translating.

The Front section directions form the crotch section. This is not clearly stated so I write it here to remind myself.

I have not decided if I will repeat this pattern or go with the Adoring Doll Swimsuit for the last My Life swimsuit I need for the 2025 donation. I need to finish the two nightgowns I've started and make the last swimsuit for 2025 and that will wrap up the 2025 donation. As I'm preposting this in early November, I have one more day to sort and post pictures of the last donation box.

If all goes well we have help this year with delivery for early December.

Rag Doll Nightgown

Notes:

This is the free pattern I used for the My Life doll found here.

I used the suggested pattern hook sizes for this doll rather than going up a hook size as I did with the My Life Doll.

Due to height differences I decreased the number of rows before rows 20-23 to allow for the bottom finish.

I am close to finishing the Our Generation Nightgown and about 1/2 way through the last My Life gown both are different patterns. I have started the My Life swimsuit and hope to get started on the Our Generation swimsuit so they all finish at about the same time. I'm preposting the second weekend of November so my hopes are good that I can finish despite some pressing family stuff.

My Life Nightgown

I had forgotten this nightgown pattern and while searching for nightgowns for this year's donation I rediscovered this free gem which you can find here.

After completing this item one of the My Life Doll's is ready to pack!!

Notes:

This works up quick and not hard to follow. I plan on using this for the Rag Doll as well to finish off that donation as well.

I used the H hook rather than the suggested G changing to an I hook when the pattern suggested changing to an H. I found this fit the doll nicely.

To close the nightgown I finished the back and added a button and buttonhole. The pattern suggests ribbon but the button seemed a bit more likely to survive.

My Life Sleeping Bag 2

It is time to celebrate as I've finished the sleeping bags for 2025.

Notes:

I was in Walmart to pick up some other items. My husband normally does the Walmart runs so I treated myself to a trip down the yarn aisle and picked up some Red Heart Favorite Stripes Yarn as I've started to run out of options for sleeping bags. I prefer the multi-colored yarn rather than the solid for these projects as it keeps them a bit more interesting.

You can find this free pattern on Suzies's Stuff Blog here.

I need a K hook to get this pattern to fit the My Life Doll.

My Life Sleeping Bag

I am in the home stretch for the 2025 donation. This is one of the last two sleeping bags I need for the donation. After the sleeping bags both My Life Dolls and the Our Generation Doll, and the Rag Doll need nightgowns. Thankfully I've started all of them. Then one My Life Doll and the Our Generation Doll need Swimsuits and the 2025 donation will come to an end as I take a break for some family stuff I need to do and then ramp up for the start of the 2026 donation.

This is a free pattern found on Suzie's Stuff Blog here.

Notes:

I use a K hook for the larger sleeping bag pattern.

This is a heavier weight Big Twist Yarn that I bought ages ago and never was able to use up. It is a bit scratchy and sheds. I am determined to use it all up rather than waste it so this was a great way to eat a bit of yarn. It still didn't finish it off.

16 Inch Baby Doll Swimsuit

Continuing to work through the final donation projects for 2025. I finished this outfit on Halloween and this doll is ready to be boxed for delivery.

I returned to Char's Bitty Baby pattern that can be purchased here for the second 16 inch baby doll. When possible it is fun to try different options for the same purpose. It keeps the challenge from becoming dull.

Notes:

I used Herrschners' Worsted for this project. This is a new batch for me and for some reason the green was softer than normal. It is normally a typical acrylic yarn but this skein was a little heavier and softer than what I'd previously purchased.

In general I have to go up in hook size and the Bitty Baby is a slightly smaller doll than the doll I donate. I used an I hook for this pattern. If I made it again I'd try the suggested H hook first as this was a little bulky and I found myself reducing to get the fit I wanted.

I used the H for the shoes and they were a little large I'd consider trying a G hook.

I played with the hat and the trim on the waist

Barbie Sleeping Bag

I am so excited to be posting the last of the Barbie family sleeping bags for 2025!!! Of course there is always 2026 but I am hoping not to be making these in the fall next year.

Barbie is also now ready to be packed the day before Halloween!!

It is a great gift when you find a free pattern site that gives you great items for your donation. Suzie's Stuff blog has given me the patterns for the sleeping bags and sleep sacks for all the dolls. It was and continues to be a great gift.

I combine two patterns for the larger Barbie dolls. The first is the fashion doll sleeping bag, found here, which is made completely with sc stitches. I've made this one and it works well. I just find with so many projects it is a bit mind numbing. However, if I combine the shell option she offers with her Beanie Bag sleeping bag I find these projects are much easier to get finished. You can find that one here.

Notes:

I believe this is Red Heart Perfect Pink. I keep several pink shades in stock for the 18 inch doll princess dresses.

This project requires an I hook.

Our Generation Boy Pajamas

One of the challenges of donating the boy Our Generation is finding enough patterns to make it a workable donation. I've have some male patterns but I've taken to using some of the 18 inch girl patterns that are more generic and making them over for the boy. This year I've taken two Christmas themed patterns for both the boy and the girl and moved them to more year round colors because I think the outfits will get more use once Christmas is past if they aren't thought of as Christmas night wear.

This outfit was designed as Christmas PJ's for the 18 inch female doll by Adoring Dolls. You can purchase the pattern here. I will say it reminded me of the winter PJ's and long johns my brothers had growing up so I decided making them for the boys was not a bad choice.

Notes:

I chose not to include the night cap and I switched the back for front because it fit better for this doll.

I used an I hook and Caron One Pounder Blue Danube. While I love this shade I'm not sure it is still available. I pulled it from my stash as I wanted blue and I wanted to make sure I didn't run out mid project.

I used an I hook with this project and followed the directions as written until it came to figuring out how this would be worn. The directions are a bit iffy for closing it in the font. I tried it on with the doll wearing the opening in the front and honestly I wasn't loving the look. This led me to decide to close it in the back with a snap and add the button closure in the front as a decoration rather than the closure which was slightly unclear to me as to how it was going to work.

For my purposes this makes it easier for a child to use as the snap easily closes the outfit in the back and the outfit drapes better with the opening in the back. I would continue to make it this way as I'll need PJ's for next year as well.

She does have a pattern for pj's for the boy on her website but I wasn't sure they would appear different than a shorts and shirt outfit.

With this outfit the Our Generation Boy is ready to be packed the day before Halloween!! Yes I am excited to be finishing up and getting stuff packed.

Lots to Love 14 Inch Baby Doll Nightgown

Several years ago I made a mistake of not reading my notes and made this nightgown with the suggested G hook for the Lots to Love 10 inch Baby doll. It was huge and the Lots to Love 14 Inch Baby Doll inherited a nightgown. For some reason I never went back and made it for the larger baby doll again until I went on a quest to give nightwear to the dolls this year for the donation and realized I didn't have a specific pattern for the larger doll but I had used this pattern previously.

This pattern is the nightgown from Darski's free Sweetly pattern set found here.

With this item finished this doll is also ready to be boxed the day before Halloween!

Notes:

I used a G hook and Bernat Baby Big Ball Sport Yarn.

Bernat Baby Sport and Herrschners' brand yarns have been my go to yarn for the baby doll projects. I just ordered more of the Herrschners' striped yarns for the 2026 donation as I still have solid colors from my previous order but I've burned through quite a bit of my striped stash this year and do to the price of shipping I try to order only when they have shipping offers.

Supplies change but I find most of my Baby Bernat sport at Walmart. I used to order it online but the Walmart oddly has kept a wider selection of colors than I could find online and the price has been good. I've kept a decent stash so not sure what the current state of their availability is for this brand but I'll be starting there when I need more next year.

Ken Sleeping Bag

With this item finished Ken's box was packed for the donation the week of Halloween! Yes I am very excited to be getting these boxes packed so early. The departure date isn't until December but this means I can close out 2025 and begin the prep for 2026 once the last doll is packed.

The base of this pattern is Suzie's Stuff free Fashion Doll Sleeping bag found here. This is done completely in sc and I prefer the shell option she offers for the Beanie's found here. So I combine the start of the fashion doll and finish it with the Beanie shells. I just like the look and the texture it provides. I also find it works up faster than the rows of sc's.

Notes:

I used an I hook with what I believe was Red Heart Super Saver Green Tones. After getting the join correct I started the shells right away and I liked it better. I generally continue the pattern until I can join it at the bottom with a little room for Ken's feet. This makes it easier to get him in and out.

Still working on nightgown wear, bathing suits and sleeping bags until the boxes are complete. Then I can have a little more freedom of creation starting 2026.

16 Inch Baby Doll Swimsuit

With this item complete this doll is inline to be packed for the donation!! I'm so excited this year to have help with transportation. It means we don't have to be as crazy about making sure the boxes will fit in our car so we can fit the box best suited to the donation.

This is the same pattern I used for the My Life doll from Stephanie Dygerty that is sadly not currently available for purchase. I have another larger baby doll swimsuit pattern that I'm going to try to see if it will work for the second doll. I like mixing things up as not to get bored. Especially since I've left all the repeat patterns until the end this year.

Notes:

This is made with Red Heart Super Saver Bright Yellow yarn and an K hook. I was suprised the baby doll required a larger hook than the My Life but sometimes yarn is a little different in thickness.

Thankfully, I do stock up on dolls when I find them on sale for this donation. It's the only way to make this affordable.

This year has been a tough year to find sales but the week of Halloween as I write this I was quite thrilled to find the Lots to Love 14 inch dolls on sale at Amazon and thankfully I won't need to worry about these being on sale for a while now.

I'm truly hoping Walmart has a sale on the My Life dolls at some point as those prices are out of my donation price range at this point. I have all I need for 2025 and I am hoping at these prices there will be a glut on the market and the prices will come down and I can stock up on those again.

They used to be a much more affordable option than the Our Generation Dolls. However, they are now in some cases more expensive. I have my Our Generation Dolls for 2026 as I was able to get those on sale. I hope I will be able to keep sending the My Life dolls as well.

Glitter Girl Sleeping Bag

I've made this a few times now and I'm seriously thinking about adapting the free pattern I use for the 18 inch dolls as it works up a bit quicker and I like the pillow rather than the mummy sleeping bag look. It is easier to make and it also is easier getting the doll into and out of for me. I will try to experiment earlier next year so I can decide if I need to come back to the pattern.

This is one of Adoring Doll's pattern sets that can be purchased here. It comes with several accessories and a few clothing items. I generally have been buying and sending the Glitter Girl campfire and portable grill set when I can find it on sale. Eventually it will be discontinued and these items may come back to my crochet list.

Lots to Love 10 Inch Baby Doll Swimsuit

With this outfit completed the Lots to Love 10 inch Baby doll is also now ready to be boxed. Since I'm preposting this I'm pleased to announce this is done before Halloween. We've never been able to box stuff prior to Halloween.

This is made from one of Char's patterns that can be purchased here.

It provides separate patterns for the 10 inch baby doll and the 9.5 Inch Baby Steps Doll. For my own notes what threw me when I went to look for the pattern in my binder was the cover picture is of the Baby Steps doll and I thought I'd misplaced this pattern. It is the right one.

Notes:

I keep a variety of thread sizes and brands on hand to try to avoid having to order for a specific project.

I believe the main color is Aunt Lydia's size 3 crochet thread in warm teal. The contrast color is Lizbeth size 3 I believe wildflower. Lizbeth is one of my favorite threads in all sizes for contrast. The skeins aren't large but the colors add something special to a project.

I used a size f hook for the swimsuit and the visor. I used an e hook for the shoes.

Along with not including all the accessories as I had in previous years this year I also didn't add the coverup. I've been on the fence about it the last few years and with time being an issue I chose not to include.

I also used the Lizbeth for all the contrast rather than returning to the origin color or adding another contrast color as the directions suggested. I prefer the Lizbeth for the contrast. I also used it to finish the visor this year.

I generally finish around the legs for these projects but this year the edges looked good and it would have been bulky if I'd added another row so I let it go.

Skipper Sleeping Bag

With Skipper's sleeping bag finished she is ready to be boxed for the donation!

This is Suzie's Stuff's free fashion doll sleeping bag pattern found here.

Notes:

This was made with an I hook. I use her directions for the shell pattern rather than the sc option. I just love the look and it makes it more doable.

Once the pillow is made and the pattern established I no longer count rows I just crochet until I can cover the feet and comfortable seem the bottom without it being tight for the feet.

This time I started the pattern into the chain. I didn't do an extra row of sc and I think it fits better after joining.

This was made with the Herrschners Baby Striped Worsted Hydrangea I had left over from making the Glitter Girl nightgown. Not done with it yet so it might find its way into a future project. However, I do know I'll be buying more when I have a coupon. Despite my stash I'm trying to finish this works for several of my doll projects and I want to make sure it is in stock for the 2026 donation as well.

Lil Cutesies Nightgown

With this outfit complete the two smallest baby dolls are ready to be boxed!!! It feels amazing to be getting things organized a bit earlier this year. We are getting some help with delivering to the school this year so we decided getting the stuff boxed so we had some idea how much stuff we actually had to move would be useful.

I looked back at my notes and for some reason have decided Darski's BBL pattern is a better fit than her Sweetly pattern for the Lil Cutesies doll. It could also be that when I made this proclamation I was tired of repeating patterns. However, once I've made the choice I'm sticking with it for now because it seems to work.

This is Darksi's free BBL pattern for the Lots to Love 10 inch Baby Doll found here.

Notes:

I used an f hook for this project with the Lion Brand Ice Cream Yarn Tutti Frutti. I made a note to consider an e hook for next year.

This one has you crochet until row 8 and then make it as long as you want. I stopped a row before the length I wanted and did a sc skip a stitch 5 dc in the next stitch shell to finish the bottom. When complete I finished the back before chaining 30 for the neck closure and doing a sc chain 3 sc in next for the neck. It makes it a little more decorative.

I also decreased and finished the arms with sc and then added an additional row of sc chain 3 skip one around for a better arm fit and a little decoration.

Lots to Love 8 Inch Baby Doll Nightgown

I'm working towards my goals of finishing the year with as many dolls having nightgowns and PJ's as possible. This pattern is Darski's free Sweetly pattern set found here.

As this set is designed for the larger 10 inch baby dolls some adjustments were required.

Notes:

I used a C hook for this project with Bernat Big Ball Baby yarn. I try to keep both the ombre's and single colors in my stash as I need them for various projects.

This is a smaller than intended doll for this project so even with decreasing hook size I needed to decrease rows.

I followed rows 1-17 then completed rows 33-37.

I finished the back and then did the ties as suggested making mine 30 chains.

My Life Swimsuit

This is one of the long standing patterns for the donation. Sadly as I mentioned the last time I made this I can't find Stepahine Dygert's patterns online any longer to give a link for those who would like to purchase the set.

It also includes a pattern for a rubber ducky floatie and a sand pail I've not included for the donation this year. Time is getting close for finishing the nightgowns, swimsuits and sleeping bags.

Notes:

I need a J hook to get the body of this to fit. However, I used a g hook on the legs after making the trim for the top and I'd go with the g for the top next time as well.

I'm hoping to use this pattern for the 16 inch baby dolls. I haven't decided which patterns to use for the last My Life doll and the Our Generation Doll for their swimsuits yet.

I'm trying to finish off dolls with one item or less to box for delivery and throw in one like this one that gets that doll closer to one and done. I did pick up a new nightgown pattern for the 18 inch dolls and I found a pj pattern that might work for the Our Generation Boy that is already in my collection. I've never made it before so I have to see how it will fit.

Glitter Girl Nightgown

I would like to start by thanking all those who offer free doll patterns for others to use. My donation has been greatly increased because I do have access to a huge library of free patterns. I like to challenge myself each year trying new patterns so I buy some and I try new free patterns. This is my fourteenth year doing this donation after years of making doll clothes for family so it is helpful to stay fresh by trying new things.

Those who provide free patterns provide them as they see fit. I find some formats easier to use than others. Normally I avoid You Tube patterns because I find a written pattern easier to follow. Again when it is free people provide it as they choose. So I continue to thank those who provide them in the format of their choice.

With that in mind I have to own my processing style. I will explain further.

First so there is no confusion most people are aware of the cheaper versions out there for the 18 inch American Girl Dolls. However, I do sometimes get questions about the Glitter Girl as the Wellie Wisher substitutes are not as well known.

A few years back I read about the Wellie Wisher and wondered if there was a more affordable alternative I could add to the donation as I'd been finding some really adorable crochet patterns for the doll. I came across the Glitter Girl dolls and its been a staple for the donation since. For those who buy the Glitter Girl doll I've found most of the Wellie Wisher crochet patterns do fit in the same way most of the American Girl dolls fit the My Life Dolls and the Our Generation Dolls I donate. I try everything on as I make it to make sure the outfit will fit.

I did search for a Wellie Wisher written pattern for a nightgown for this project. I was willing to buy one but I didn't find one out there. However what I did find was a You Tube video. With no other patterns that fit my search and loving the look of this one I decided to figure out how I could make this work for my processing style.

This is a free You Tube pattern for the Wellie Wisher nightgown found here. The creater is Allmycrochet.

I can't follow directions while listening and watching a video. If you can that is wonderful. I have stayed away from video patterns for this reason.

I love youtube to see stitches and I also appreciate when a pattern includes a video that demonstrates some places where the designer has tried something new or does things differently from a traditional way I'd normally approach something.

You see these sometimes attached to blog pattern and those I love. However, when I sit down to create something I really like to be able to refer back to the directions in writing. I especially find in hard to wait for the rows that repeat with the same pattern until you get to the directions that change. It's hard to know where to skip to because you aren't sure what changes when. I learned this when I skipped a little ahead only to discover I'd missed an increase.

This technique may or may not work for you. I took the notes function on my phone and transcribed the pattern while I watched the video on my laptop. I then was able to send the notes to my laptop and with the picture I took of the finished item I now had a functional pattern for my use only. Since I constantly repeat patterns yearly for this project I had no desire to go back to the video again and this solved my problem. I am thrilled with the outfit.

If I find another you tube pattern that fills a void I can't get in written format I'd consider going this route again. However, it still is not my first choice for patterns.

Stacie Sleeping Bag

Another sleeping bag off my list for the 2025 donation. Both Chelsea and Stacie are made with the free Beanie Bag sleeping bag found here. Skipper, Barbie, and Ken use the Fashion Doll pattern found on the same blog.

I have a stash of Herrschners' yarn that I've bought when I had a shipping coupon and as I've gotten back into finishing the donation for 2025, I've been targeting it more for projects. The purpose of buying the yarn was to use it for projects not to have a stash. Most of what I have ranges between their 3 and 4 weights but I've found their weights are lighter than the other acrylic brands I've purchased. This oddly makes it better for certain doll projects because I don't have to pay more to buy a lighter weight yarn.

With this sleeping bag I've started using it for the Barbie sleeping bags and it works because they aren't as heavy. I'm currently working on Skipper's sleeping bag with Worsted 8 Baby Stripes Hydrangea left over from a project for the glitter girl. The next time I have a shipping coupon I'll be buying more of this color as I'll need it for the 2026 Glitter Girl project and the weight seems a good fit for the bags.

Chelsea Nightgown

I've been working steadily to get these project themes finished across all doll categories where I have the patterns to meet them. I found an American Girl mini pattern that I previously adapted for Stacie and Skipper back in June. I never thought it would take until October to get to making Chelsea's nightgown.

I bought a complete pattern set for the AG mini's as some of the ones I wanted were not offered as individual patterns. However this pattern can be purchased alone and is available here.

Notes:

I needed size 20 crochet thread in two colors and a .75mm thread crochet hook to get this to fit Chelsea.

I chose not to add the arms or the top trim based on notes from my previous projects. I've not had great luck with crochet fashion doll shoes so I chose not to make the slippers.

For this project I followed rows 1-10 as written with the thread and hook changes. When I make this again I'd go to row 11 to make it a bit longer. I then skipped to row 16 and completed from there.

The counts for rows 3-5 are off and I've adjusted them to make the outfit fit.

The neck closes with a tie and I chain 40 before adding.

Our Generation Boy Sleeping Bag

I finished the crocheting part of this at an appointment last Friday. I did the final finishes at home. These do make great travel and wait projects. I do try to do the pillow section as it requires stuffing at home and get the bag section started but after that it is a great calming waiting project. This was finished over two appointments.

You can find the free pattern at Suzies Stuff Blog here.

I've been working harder on the join after creating the pillow section. This is the only challenge I have with the pattern as it sets the form for the whole project. Something has changed in what I'm doing as I hadn't had a problem in previous years so I'm taking it more slowly. Testing the doll to make sure it fits before adding the rest of the rows. I also think I may have added an additional sc row after joining before starting the dc shell rows. I will keep working on this as this previously had not been an issue and clearly the pattern hasn't changed in all these years.

Notes:

This was made with Red Heart Ombre Cocoa with a K hook.

I don't count rows once past the pillow. I continue to measure it against the doll closing when it is easily past the feet with room to sc closed with a little space at the bottom.

Our Generation Boy Swim Trunks

This is an Adoring Doll pattern that can be purchased here. I have the set that includes the boy, girl and the Wellie Wisher doll patterns. You can buy the individual pattern that I've linked or it is sold as a set.

Notes:

I use an I hook for this pattern.

To get it to fit the Our Generation Boy I need a starting chain of 46. This then changes the legs to 23.

The color change for the leg is marked for the 2nd leg not the first so the change is Row 11 stays yellow, row 12 blue, end with row 13 yellow. Again a note to self for next year actually count. I did the color change a row early and it will work but it is better with the additional row.

This is why I actually write these notes for myself. Sadly when I'm rushed I don't always read them. I did this the last time I made them and something told me I'd done it before but I read the pattern directions not my notes and I didn't follow the notes which also allows you to tighten the trunks if they are a little loose.

The original pattern calls for a piece of yarn to be tied for the trunks as if it is a tie. I decided to crochet a tie and thread it through the fpdc as this year the trunks were loser and it allowed me to tighten them just a little with the pull ties.

I mentioned in a previous post about a hat I made for the 16 inch Baby doll from a Linmary Knits pattern that you'd be seeing it again for the Our Generation Boy as I'd made a mistake and it was too large for the baby doll. When possible I try not to waste items that could be used by another doll if it is just a matter of size. When I saw this I thought it would make a great sun hat for his swim trunks. I never thought when I made the hat in July it would take me until October to get the trunks finished but they are done in the same donation year so that is a blessing.

16 Inch Baby Doll Nightgown 2

I've been on a push since I got back to crocheting again to finish off the nightgowns, swim suits, and sleeping bags for all the dolls involved with those projects. With this one finished another set of dolls is complete for nightgowns.

I do not have a link to this Darski pattern.

Notes:

I used a G hook and Herrschners Worsted Weight Yarn for the nightgown and hat.

The hat is still a work in progress but I am trying to get it to a point where I like it enough to write it down to use again rather than starting each time fresh. It is primarily started with magic circle sc and then uses increases to expand the top of the head. When it is ready to expand down I start a pattern of 3 back post dc and 3 front post sc for some texture and I find it helps get the hat on and keep it on the head.

I'm currently adapting a mini-AG pattern that I used earlier in the year for Skipper and Stacie to make Chelsea's nightgown.

Chelsea Sleeping Bag

There are certain projects I try to make each year for the donation. A few years back I added sleeping bags and snuggle sacks for the respective doll types. I also have some targeted specific clothing items I try to make for certain dolls. For a variety of reasons I've fallen behind and need to get caught up on these items and you will likely start to see more of them posted in the coming weeks.

I finally finished this one Tuesday.

I received an email from the school and it looks like the drop off date for the donations is the first couple of weeks of December. I am hoping to be done with 2025 donations before Thanksgiving so I can get everything boxed and ready to go, leaving me the time to enjoy the holiday and start on the 2026 donations.

I am working on two sleeping bags a Barbie family member and an 18 inch doll and currently a nightgown for the second 16 inch baby doll. It gives my brain a little rest between repetive projects.

I've been using Suzie's Stuff's sleeping bag patterns for all the non-baby dolls except for the Glitter Girl.

This is her Teanie Tiny pattern for Beanie Babies found here. Her sleeping bag patterns can be done in sc or in a pattern that provides texture. I generally make the larger dolls with the shells and Chelsea with sc. This year I finally changed the color of her bag and decided to try the shells. I like the shells. I might even try a patterned yarn like I do with the larger dolls next year. This was scrap yarn I was hoping to finish off so a good choice for the project.

Notes:

I used an I hook for this project.

As I mentioned with the previous sleeping bag project the first join is critical to attach correctly or the opening is too small.

I was and am continuing to work on the boy Our Generation Sleeping Bag. I will be starting Stacie's sleeping bag also using this pattern.

Once the top is established I continue the length until the feet are fully covered and then follow the closing instructions.

Rag Doll Sleeping Bag

I've been making this free 18 inch doll sleeping bag pattern found here for some time now.

What I realized this year is there is a specific way to join the top of the sleeping bag or it is too tight for the 18 inch doll to slide easily in and out. This is the second year the Rag Doll has inherited a sleeping bag made with a K hook instead of an I because the opening was too small for the larger doll.

I recently had to frog a large section of another one when I realized I was headed in the same direction with one made for the Our Generation Boy. I think I've identified how to verify it is joined correctly but I've also decided not to continue with the pattern until I've tried it on because it isn't worth having to pull it all out again.

16 Inch Baby Doll Nightgown

This was another one of my September projects that never got posted. Nightgowns/wear are one of my yearly challenges for the dolls. I try to see how many outfits I can complete for different dolls in each category before the deadline. When I have options I will use different patterns when not I repeat as needed.

This is one of Darski's patterns that I sadly don't have a link for but it is a simple nightgown that ties in the back. I've used this for years for the 16 inch baby dolls. I still need to make one more and its on my to do list before the donation is due. I did make a mistake with this one as it didn't get a hat. There is no pattern but I generally do work something up. I will make sure the next one has one.

I stocked up a while back on Herrschners worsted and baby yarn for doll projects. This is made with Herrschners worsted weight and a g hook based on last year's notes. I will write on the pattern any additional notes I have when I make the second one for this year's donation and add them to that project page.

My Life Rivulets

I finished three projects in September and while I got the pictures taken and they are in the correct donation bags I never wrote up the projects. I consider this process to be important because I go back to these posts each year to see what I completed and looking for notes on the completion.

What I noted as I was getting this post ready is in my rush to just get the pictures taken and printed for the donation I listed the wrong pattern. This makes it hard to trace my notes for future patterns leading me back to why I try really hard to go back and post projects even after the fact because it reminds me what I did and how.

I had a push going on through the summer to alternate between Darksi's free 18 inch doll patterns and Adoring Doll's paid patterns. They each add variety to the donation and different fun for my crochet life. I misidentified this as Darski's Madison pattern in my picture save but it is actually her Rivulets free pattern that you can find here.

Notes:

As with last year I went with Caron Super Saver for this outfit. I've been working on finishing off a skein and as per last year's notes the thicker yarn works better to create this outfit. I used Bernat Baby for the shawl and trim.

Follow length as written when adding trim. I added additional rows thinking it was short and the trim doesn't work as well.

I used the suggested I hook for everthing but the top trim. I used a g hook for the trim on the top as it tended to poof with the larger hook and the lighter yarn. I might use a g hook for the trim on the bottom next time as well as it got a bit bulky with the I hook.

Don't increase beyond four dc between the post stitches as the skirt gets to be huge. The last row is all dc before adding trim. I missed this and the trim sits better from dc row.

The bottom trim rows need to adjust for reduced number of increases.

After finishing the dress directions I finished the back and top of the dress with the primary color yarn before adding the white trim. This made for a cleaner back and made adding the trim easier. It also makes the arm holes look cleaner when completed.

Be careful not to split yarn changing from chains to dc for arm holes. The white yarn is soft but it needs to stay strong for the arm holes.

I need to do a V stitch in the end stitch of each end for each row of the shawl, not in the chain stitch. I struggled with this last year and caught the direction this year.

Our Generation Boy Basketball Uniform

This has been a challenging year for getting crochet time but I still believe we will have an amazing donation. I'm starting to focus on finishing the targeted projects for the individual dolls. This could be one of the last items just for fun that will be made for the donation as the deadline is fast approaching and I still have lots of must makes to complete before then.

Since I added the boy Our Generation doll I've had to seek some of the more generic girl patterns to convert for the boy doll. Adoring Doll Clothes has sports patterns that have worked well for the boy. This is her Basketball pattern that can be purchased here.

Notes:

Shirt:

This is made with Caron Pounder Kelly Green, Red Heart White and Black. I wanted the specific shade of green for future reference I tend to use what ever shades/brands of white or black I have on hand.

I used an I hook for the shirt and I'd stick with that for future projects as the fit was good for getting on and off the doll.

I made the button hole while trimming the neckline and finishing the back in white.

Shorts:

I needed an I hook.

I kept this note from the previous year's post as I found it helped me complete this year's project.

I've never been good at adding ss along the edge of something so I ss to add the yarn to the side than did a row of ss not attached to the end of the shorts and ss to the end of the shorts. I left a long end and sewed the ss to the shorts. Not the most effective method but better than the mess I was making trying to ss directly to the shorts.

Shoes:

Last year I used a g hook and I wrote it worked well for the Our Generation. I found the shoes were a little harder to get on and off so next year I'd suggest an H hook for the Our Generation. If I was doing this for the My Life Girls I'd use an I.

16 Inch Baby Doll Linmary Knits Dress, Hat and Shoes

This is the final outfit I need from this free Linmary crochet pattern found here. The shoe pattern is from a different free set found here.

For this round with the 16 Inch baby doll I went with Baby Bernat Sport Yellow and Blue.

Notes:

As I continue to remind myself this pattern uses British crochet terms so as an American I need to translate the terms or the dress will have a very odd look.

These were my notes from the previous dress but oddly I had to make some changes to get something to fit.

Dress:

I used a G hook for the bodice and skirt. I added 5 additional rows and an additional contrast row to the bodice for length prior to adding the skirt. To help myself keep track I have notes on the pattern regarding the repeats as they are not written out and with multiple repeats and row changes for each repeat I lose track. I finished the neck and the arm holes decreasing both as I found them a bit big this time.

For dress 2 I went with an f hook as I found the g was just to big. Sometimes my guage does change.

Hat:

I used an e hook to the contrast rows and changed to a g hook at the contrast rows until the end. As with the dress I wrote out the repeats on the sheet to keep track of which row repeated each time.

I had to stick with the e hook for the entire hat as the second one I made is going to be a sun hat for the Our Generation Boy's Swim Suit set.

Shoes:

I've started experimenting using this pattern with the matching lighter weight yarn as I don't often have worsted weight in the same shades. To get the shoes to fit I need a J hook with Bernat Baby Sport weight yarn.

No changes to the shoes.

My Life Kalia Party Dress

I wanted to get two My Life outfits completed this week so I went to my Adoring Doll pattern binder and this was item two for the week. You can purchase the pattern here.

According to my blog searches this is the first time I've made this pattern for the donation.

This was another orphan skein that I pulled in my must use pile. The yarn is fine it just had gotten buried and I am determined to use stuff I've bought and have it leave with this year's donation.

Notes:

Dress:

I started the dress with an I hook instead of an H switching to the H hook when the pattern called to change.

To get the length I wanted I needed to add two rows before doing the white finishing trim. I also chose to finish the neck and arms in white. It just made for a cleaner trim. I closed this with a button. I finished the complete back the pattern just adds a button hole. I just find it a cleaner finish.

I used the suggested G hook and number of chains for the tie.

Shoes

I used an I hook for these shoes. I think I'd try an H hook the next time as these were a bit large. I used a G hook for the strap and add a seried of chains that I connected to the strap to connect the button. A variation from the pattern but it worked for me. These shoes are different from the Robbie Lynn button shoes. I wanted to try them but having made both if I wanted button shoes I'd go back to the Robbie Lynn shoes.

Barbie Cocktail Dress

I'm continuing to work through Crochet Wardrobe for 11 1/2 inch Fashion Dolls including a Complete Wedding Esemble and Trousseau. I promised myself I was going to use these older patterns I had bought that would work for the donation.

Notes:

This was made with Herrschners Size 10 Crochet Thread. I have been using their house brand yarns for the doll project for years. This was my first time using their thread. I love getting different colors, especially when the cost is cheaper and I have a shipping coupon.

I checked several times to make sure this was marked as size 10 but this was clearly not size 10 thread as it was far too thick. I've found between brands there is a range of thickness but this was about half way between 10 and 3. It worked out for this pattern and I if the other colors I bought hold true this could be the answer to some pattern issues I've had that fall between 10 and 3. Size 10 is just too light no matter which hook I use and size 3 is too heavy. This middle size would be perfect for several of my patterns if this isn't just a fluke.

I used a 1.25mm thread hook for this outfit.

As many of these patterns seem similiar this pattern starts on page 20.

This pattern calls for 2 snaps. I placed one at the top and one at the waist the second to last row before starting the skirt.

My Life Robbie Lynn Spring Dress

This is one of Adoring Doll's patterns that can be purchased here.

I love this pattern because its simple but I find it to be adorable. The sweater adds a nice touch to the fairly simple dress.

Notes:

I pulled a crate of yarn out of my yarn storage and made a promise to myself I would find ways to use up these orphan skeins. Some have labels others not. The blue from this is a unlabeled worsted weight yarn. I only used about half for the project but it was a start on my commitment to use up yarns I have that have been living here far too long.

I used an I hook for the sweater and the top of the dress. The skirt was made using an H hook. The shoes required an I hook.

Looking back at my previous notes made creating the shoes much easier as there are directions for making a right and left shoe as the buttons are on the outside of each shoe. However, I found it just easier to look at the shoe, decide where the button needed to be for that shoe and create the buckle for that shoe based on the directions. I found I almost made two of one shoe just following the directions. The visual was a big help.

Ken Pajamas

I started to look for a pajamas pattern for Ken not remembering I'd made him pants and a robe in 2022. The pattern came from Crochet World's Fashion Doll Showcase #1.

What I actually wanted was a more traditional pajamas pattern though not just a robe and pants. I thought I'd found that my pajamas pattern flipping through Crochet Wardrobe for 11 1/2 inch Fashion Dolls including a Complete Wedding Esemble and Trousseau. I didn't look that closely at the time to realize it wasn't a pajamas pattern but actually a jumpsuit that reminded me of a costume from the Six Million Dollar Man. With that in mind the top still worked for my project if I didn't make it a onsie. Not finding lots of other options I decided to go this route.

Notes:

I used a D hook and Baby Bernat Sport Blue yarn for the top and followed most of the pattern as written through row 10 where I stopped before joining to make the jumpsuit. The one major difference I made was to use sc for the collar as it was way to large with the suggested dc. The sleeves worked as written.

I made the pants the way I make most of Ken's pants. I measured and sewed a piece of elastic big enough for his waist and crocheted around it with a C hook and the same yarn as the top. When I reached the crotch I split the paints by chaining 4 in the middle and joining thus creating two legs of equal stitches. I crocheted one leg until it was long enough I believe it was 19 rows. I ended it and completed the second leg.

These are the smallest white butttons that come in my button sets I buy. I bought some mini buttons for the Barbie outfits and they work with the thread and fingering yarns. However, they are not big enough to work with the baby yarn. I had to remove and add the larger buttons. Just an FYI note to myself for future projects.

Lots to Love 14 Inch Baby Doll Baylees Bikini

This is an Amy Carrico pattern which does not look like it is available for purchase any longer. I keep checking back as her patterns do pop up on either Etsy or Ravelry from time to time but no luck this year.

Having finished the swimsuit for the Lots to Love 14 Inch Baby doll I'm one outfit closer to finishing the challenge. It was the perfect swimsuit weather. I often end up making these in the winter dreaming of the warm weather but this was made in the middle of a hot humid heat wave and I wanted to be at the beach.

My previous notes indicated I needed to go up in yarn and hook size but this year I stayed with the directions for both but had to play with the waist a bit as it was a bit larger than I needed.

Notes:

This is Bernat Baby Sport Ombre I believe Baby Baby but not having the label not sure.

I used the suggested e hook for this outfit. I did not have time for the towel and I did start the sandals only to remember why I don't make her sandals. I can never get them to fit right. It is a cute outfit without either and some year I may get around to making the towel to add.

One note to self this does look better in darker colors. I went with baby yarn on hand but looking at previous project the darker pink looked better.

Barbie Miss Freedom

Having finished Ken's outfit I moved on to Barbie's.

My favorite part of this outfit and the one thing I'd love to come back to again is the skirt. To revisit this outfit I would like better accessories for it as it is a good bit of effort and I wasn't as pleased with the outcome as I'd hoped.

The only item other than the skirt that did not require a 1.25mm hook was the hat which again was the 1.8mm.

Skirt:

The skirt was a somewhat challenging fit at the waist. I did the first two rows switching to a 1.8 mm hook for the rest of the skirt. Once past the initial waist area a B hook was far to large but the skirt would not have fit without starting with the larger hook to establish a wider waist.

This outfit was made with size 10 crochet thread.

Bib:

I'd actually try adapting Ken's bib to Barbie if I made this again. The mock turtleneck looks nice but it doesn't connect well in the back and makes for a bulky join.

Jacket:

This version of the jacket does add the arms as you go but I had to play with the stitches a bit avoid sewing the arms together at the end.

Ken Mr. Freedom

One of the advantages to working on a holiday donation a year in advance is when you miss a holiday deadline you still are ahead of the calendar. I started working on the Independence Day outfits for Ken and Barbie in June but life happens and I finished both up over the weekend.

A while back I had received as gifts patterns from Judys Dolls and Patterns. Her patterns were more complicated than many I had tried but I loved the various styles and themes. Sadly when I went back to link this pattern I found her Etsy page was gone. Now that I had started to work on her patterns I was hoping to purchase more.

In case she does make a return to the Internet this was her Mr. and Miss Freedom pattern that gives holiday outfits for Ken and Barbie sized fashion dolls. One of the reasons I had hoped she was still online is I did find a missing row 8 in Ken's trousers pattern which left me clueless as to how to proceed with a different style of pants than I normally make so I reverted back to my traditional split for the legs as I couldn't figure what had happened in row 8 that possibly made the count in row 9 real.

Notes:

Trousers:

Size 10 thread and 1.25mm hook

I followed rows 1-7 and did my own split for the legs. After doing so I only needed 23 rows for each leg. This could be do to change of pattern of the Ken I made this for either is possible.

Bib:

The jacket was listed next but I thought I'd have a better chance figuring hook size if I made the bib and vest first and this worked out better for me.

I used a 1.25 mm hook and did pattern as written.

Vest:

1.25mm hook

I used a button and avoided snap or bead. I tried the bead but since this wasn't a display doll glue wasn't an option and sewing ruined the look. A small button worked better.

Hat:

The hat was tight and I ended up with a 1.8mm hook

Jacket:

I found the jacket for both dolls a bit tricky to get the front lapels to work correctly.

The pattern calls for the sleeves to be made and sewn in but I've never had luck with this option so I opted to match the stitch count and crochet them on.

Barbie Nightgown

I still have to go back and finish Chelsea's nightgown from the AG mini pattern but I wanted to explore my Barbie binders to find something for Barbie. I hit this one first, although I suspect there are more in the collection. I rather liked this one and decided to make it the next nightgown for the challenge.

I returned to my out of print newsprint House of White Birches Crochet Wardrobe for 11.5 inch Fashion Dolls. There are a couple of options for night wear for Barbie. I chose the negligee pattern.

The original pattern uses size 10 thread with a starting chain of 60. I suspected this wasn't going to work but I try to see where these older patterns are going because they can surprise me.

Sure enough this was huge. Even reducing to size 20 thread it was still enormous. That's when it was time to use some crochet math to decrease the pattern and save my size 20 thread for other projects.

I started with a 50 percent decrease but it was not to be an easy math day. Decreasing that much made it too small. However a 75 percent decrease with some rounding and a few adjustments made for the fit I needed.

Notes:

I used size 10 thread and a 1.25mm hook for this outfit.

Chain 45 After making the math changes to rows 1 and 2 the only additional adjustments were to the row counts as they were now smaller than the original pattern. However the basic pattern worked with the reduced counts.

There is a 3 stitch cluster between each sc set. The cluster being 3 sc in one stitch.

Row 1: sc 6 cluster sc 11 cluster sc 7 cluster sc 11 cluster sc 6 total 53 stitches

Row 2: sc 7 chain 8 skip 14 sc 11 chain 8 skip 14 7 sc

Follow rest of instructions as written with understanding stitch count will differ.

Also as a note to myself clearest way to know you've made a mistake is clusters should not be stacked on top of each other they should alternate rows. If this pattern is not occuring you have made a mistake. I noticed this a couple of times and was able to go back and fix before I'd gone too far.

One mistake I did make is not counting total number of rows it took to complete for the length of this doll. The pattern calls for 40 but I don't have an accurate count. I worked on this between other projects as the repitition can be a bit dull at times. I also like to give my hands a break from the smaller hooks.

16 Inch Baby Doll Shell Stitch Dress, Cap and Shoes

This is the Shell Stitch dress for the second of the JC 16 inch baby dolls to be donated this year.

Notes:

This is the Shell Stitch Dress and the Cap pattern from House of White Birches black and white newsprint leaflet Baby Doll Fashions to Crochet. It was published in 1981 for anyone who might wish to find a copy. The shoes are my favorite free doll pattern found here.

Dress:

I used the suggested D hook for this project with Bernat Baby Sport Baby Baby yarn.

Rows 2-4 teach you a pattern for increases for this outfit. The original pattern keeps this going through row 8 I need to go to row 10 before doing the original row 9 to create the arms to have enough length in the bodice.

The shell pattern for this dress is 2dc ch1 2dc. I tried this and the dress was huge. Not at all as pictured. I pulled it out and tried a shell dc ch1 dc and had a better fit.

To cover the white onesie this doll is constructed with I needed to add rows to the skirt. The skirt ends at row 23. I went to row 29 which when you change the row counts becomes row 30 for the whole pattern.

I finished the back up to the neck before doing the trim this allowed for a cleaner back and made putting the snaps on easier. I also did the trim for the arms.

The original dress has a higher waist which I tried when making this outfit for this doll but I found it was harder to fit with the doll's construction so I lengthened the bodice. It is a different look than the original but I rather like it for this doll.

Cap:

The cap is another pattern in this book that I decided needed a rework if I wanted it to fit this doll. The original has dc increases around twice and I found the hat was unshapable afterwards. For my own records this is the cap pattern on page 46. There are directions for multiple dolls.

I used a G hook and used a magic circle and 12 DC. From there I increased by an additional stitch each row until row 9. Row 9 I did a DC 1 decrease 1 around to make a tight fit. Row 10 I turned and dc in the back loops so cap would turn upwards and did one more dc row in this direction and finished off.

Shoes:

I've been trying the shoes with lighter yarn this year and it seems to be working out OK. They still look better with the worsted 4 yarn but they look odd when the shoes tend not to match. I need a J hook with the lighter yarn to get them to fit.